Abhishek Sharma's 113 off 38 seals India's T20I series win in Wellington
Synopsis
Abhishek Sharma's 113 off just 38 balls — one of the most destructive T20 innings seen in recent memory — sealed India's series in Wellington before the Kiwis could blink. Even the opposition tipped their hats, with Daryl Mitchell calling it 'world-class.' The only question now is whether Abhishek can keep redefining what a T20 opening knock looks like.
Key Takeaways
Abhishek Sharma smashed 113 off 38 balls to power India to a series-sealing win at Hnry Stadium, Wellington on 27 October 2026 .
India successfully chased down 199 runs , with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi contributing 45 off 19 balls at the top.
Daryl Mitchell described Abhishek's innings as 'world-class' and 'one people won't forget in a long time.' Mitchell posted a career-best T20 score of 89* off 52 balls in the third match, batting at a new position of No.
New Zealand face a packed home season — 5 ODIs and 2 Tests — before touring Australia for 4 Tests ; the series continues at Eden Park .
Abhishek Sharma blazed an extraordinary 113 off 38 balls to power India to a series-clinching victory over New Zealand at Hnry Stadium in Wellington on Tuesday, 27 October 2026, chasing down a 199-run target with room to spare. The innings left even the opposition reaching for superlatives, with New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell hailing it as a knock 'people won't forget in a long time.'
Mitchell's Tribute to Abhishek
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Mitchell was unequivocal in his admiration. 'Very special innings. Some of that hitting was world-class, and that's why he is one of the best in the world at what he does. So, yeah, you take your hat off and say ‘well played’,' Mitchell said.
The New Zealand all-rounder acknowledged that the pitch conditions had not cooperated with the hosts' plans. 'I think 200 on that (wicket); we were pretty confident with it. I think, obviously, we felt batting first, the ball was probably sitting in the pitch a little bit, and a bit of extra bounce. So, we were hoping that it would happen in the second innings, dew factor and all those sort of things,' he added. Despite those calculations, Abhishek's assault rendered the total insufficient well before the final overs.
Sooryavanshi's Supporting Act
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi provided crucial support at the top of the order, contributing a rapid 45 off 19 balls. Together, the two openers dismantled New Zealand's bowling plans almost immediately, leaving the Kiwi attack with no effective counter. Mitchell conceded that his side were 'running out of options' trying to contain the India opening pair.
Mitchell's Own Transformed Role at No. 3
While India dominated on the night, Mitchell had been one of the brightest performers for New Zealand across the series, having been elevated to No. 3 — a departure from the No. 5 or No. 6 positions he typically occupied. He registered 28 off 19 balls in the first T20I before producing a career-best T20 knock of an unbeaten 89 off 52 balls in the third match.
'It's really exciting, me leading into a T20 World Cup in two years,' Mitchell said of his new batting position. 'But, yeah, I think it's nice to contribute (in the) first game. A great partnership and sort of set the tone early. And then to do it again tonight, it's pleasing, two out of three.'
New Zealand's Bigger Picture
New Zealand had not played T20 cricket since May, and Mitchell acknowledged that small margins could have swung the series result. 'There's probably small moments at games we look back on that we wish we could have again, which we could be 2-1 up if those moments went our way,' he said.
Despite the series defeat, Mitchell struck an optimistic note ahead of a packed domestic season. The Blackcaps have five ODIs and two Tests remaining in the current home schedule before travelling to Australia for four Test matches. The fourth T20I moves to Eden Park, with New Zealand looking to avoid a whitewash in the five-match series.
Point of View
The more pressing concern is a long, demanding home summer ahead — and whether their batting, Mitchell's new role aside, has the firepower to compete at the business end of matches.
NationPress
27 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many runs did Abhishek Sharma score against New Zealand in Wellington?
Abhishek Sharma scored 113 runs off just 38 balls in India's series-clinching T20I win at Hnry Stadium in Wellington on 27 October 2026. It is one of the fastest centuries in T20 international cricket.
What did Daryl Mitchell say about Abhishek Sharma's innings?
Mitchell called the knock 'world-class' and 'very special,' saying it was 'one people won't forget in a long time.' He also acknowledged New Zealand had no answer to Abhishek's assault, saying you 'take your hat off and say well played.'
What was India's target and how did they achieve it in Wellington?
India chased down a target of 199 runs in Wellington, with Abhishek Sharma (113 off 38) and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (45 off 19) laying the platform at the top of the order. New Zealand felt 199 was a strong total but were undone by the opening partnership.
What is Daryl Mitchell's new batting position for New Zealand?
Mitchell has been promoted to No. 3 in the T20I batting order for the current India series, up from his previous positions of No. 5 or No. 6. He scored a career-best 89* off 52 balls in the third T20I and views the role as key preparation for the T20 World Cup.
What is next for New Zealand after losing the T20I series to India?
New Zealand continue the five-match T20I series, with the fourth game at Eden Park . Beyond the series, the Blackcaps face a busy home summer of five ODIs and two Tests , followed by a tour of Australia for four Test matches.
